The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

So,
First off I am 14 years old, and I currently own 5 different phonographs. I wanted to tell a quick story. Last year, I went to extremely clean and nice antique store. I didn't expect to find much, but what I did it was truly amazing! I found Columbia Q, but what was really special was the aluminum Columbia-issued 14" horn that came with it! Long story short, I got it for under 200$. But my question is, how rare is it? I imagine very uncommon, but I'm just guessing.
Thank you!
Cal

They are not rare, BUT they are highly desirable to Columbia Cylinder machine collectors. Columbia sold a lot of those aluminum horns back in the day. John

Thank you!

They aren't rare but originals in that condition don't show up very often and are expensive when you do find them. You got a very good deal. Please show us a picture of the Q.

Jim

Hi Cal, and welcome to the hobby and to the forum!

As others have said, the 14" aluminum horns aren't particularly rare, but they usually command a high price. In our hobby, rarity doesn't always equate to value, as in the case with "off-brand" phonograph brands from the teens and early 20s. Likewise, certain relatively common items usually bring strong prices, such as the Victor VI, Edison Opera, the Berliner Improved Gramophone, and aluminum Columbia horns. Your horn is worth more than what you paid for everything. Congratulations!

If you haven't already discovered it, the Antique Phonograph Society has a website with a number of interesting articles in various categories: Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Technical Series, and even a Book Feature. You can freely access all the articles and other things at the APS Home Page:

http://www.antiquephono.org/

If you look inside the lid of your Q, you may see a paper label marked "QA." That was the original designation for the Q when sold with an aluminum horn. Original price was $10.70.

George P.

Welcome to the TMF. You have a great aluminum horn. These don't show up very often. You will have to post some pictures of your machines. How long have you been interested in old phonographs?

Wow, I thought I was the only teenager who was into this hobby! Congratulations on getting that Columbia Q and the aluminum horn at such a great price.
If you get a chance please post some pictures of it.

-Steve

oldphonographsteve wrote:Wow, I thought I was the only teenager who was into this hobby! Congratulations on getting that Columbia Q and the aluminum horn at such a great price.
If you get a chance please post some pictures of it.

-Steve

There's you, caldog, Victrolaboy and myself, although come November I will no longer be a teenager.

Don't forget me I also can join the club, I'm 14 as well.
-Tom Pappas

I'm also 14!! I didn't know there were other collectors around that are as young as me!